Welcome and blessings to you all! Tonight’s performance is an observation of love – perhaps the most complex of all human emotions. Each of the two works being presented focuses on iconic themes of longing and realization, conflict and resolution, desperation and hope. Interestingly enough, the incredible classical scores that carry the audience through each of these timeless stories, grew out of one of contemporary history’s darkest periods – the depression era of the 1930’s which extended worldwide. For us, this concert is a glimpse into the almost five-decade legacy of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and a glimpse into our future. Those who may be wondering what motivated me to bring the music of both Gershwin and Prokofiev to the same concert, will understand better by knowing a little more about my own family history. I was introduced at an early age to George and Ira Gershwin’s music and lyrics, and the DeBose Heyward novel “Porgy” by my father Jonathon “JP” Parker, Denver’s first acclaimed African-American actor at the Bonfils Theatre. He made sure I experienced the masterful portrayals Sidney Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge, and Sammy Davis Jr. brought to the film version. My own concept for “Porgy and Bess” began as a trio performance in 1995 with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and later, in 2000, evolved into a full evening’s work with Opera Colorado. Drawing upon elements from each of these productions, I chose to work this time in close collaboration with my assistant director Christopher Page-Sanders (former Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble member for seven seasons) and musical director, Jodel Charles, to create a new realization of this timeless work, based on the “Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess” Broadway revival of 2012. It was my mother, Martha Parker, a classically trained musician herself, who first introduced me to the grandeur of Prokofiev, and my father frequently quoted Shakespeare. In the case of “Romeo and Juliet”, which I first created in 2012 in collaboration with Maestro Andrew Litton and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra at the Boettcher Concert Hall, even though I wanted to retain the flavor of Shakespeare’s immortal play, I also wanted to bring a distinctly different cultural perspective to a work which has generally always been Euro-centric in its production. With that in mind, I chose the culturally and spiritually diverse city of New Orleans as the setting – delving into both the melding and the conflicts of its Catholic and African Yoruba / Voudou traditions. To add to the mystique, I worked with musical director, Jodel Charles, to layer live elements of New Orleans jazz and Yoruba percussive rhythms and chants over the traditional Prokofiev score. Listen closely – you’ll even here classic Shakespearean quotations spoken in Creole, one of New Orleans many languages. The conflicts between families, religions and ideologies has always existed. It is my hope that many of you will research in more detail the spiritual traditions of New Orleans, moving beyond the numerous misconceptions that have long been perpetrated in contemporary American media – and that you may feel inspired to then learn more about other cultures and spiritual practices
as well. From knowledge comes deeper understanding, acceptance, and respect.. Ultimately, both works, after leading the audience through both the depths and heights of desire and devotion, violence and passion, hatred and love, end with a sense that the will of the human spirit, strengthened by faith, acceptance and a greater understanding, will not only survive but will transcend. Perhaps that’s why I chose these works for this concert. That same premise - the triumph of Love and Spirit over even the most dire adversity (something I learned from my own parents who raised four children in that kind of love) - has been one of the driving forces behind the mission and vision of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance for nearly 47 years, a vision I’ve shared for that same number of years with my own Romeo, my husband Tom Robinson. One of the most significant aspects of our work is education through the arts. In celebration of that belief, our 8th Annual “Dancing with the Denver Stars!” Gala on August 19th will feature some of Denver’s most exceptional business and community leaders performing in support of CPRD’s educational programs. These Stars’ significant commitments of time and resources allow us to further our educational outreach and scholarship programs, funding scholarships accounting for over 75% of our year-round Academy’s enrollment. Through the support of the SCFD and other agencies and sponsors, CPRD works with over 40,000 children in as many as 40 metro-area schools, as well as educational and community facilities nation-wide. Be sure to mark your calendars and do plan to be part of this incredible event! For the 23rd year, we will host our International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), one of the country’s finest summer intensive programs, bringing master teachers and dedicated students together for a total of four weeks of dance immersion, culminating in an extraordinary Mile High Dance Festival in our amphitheater. Visit our website for updates on the 2017 ISDI schedule and Mile-High Dance Festival. Our year-round Academy of Dance offers training by some of Denver’s finest instructors for students of all ages and abilities. Visit our website (www. cleoparkerdance.org) to view our current schedule. From Ballet to Zumba – it’s simply a case of finding your own way to move! Its always been my belief that DANCE is truly just LIFE and LOVE OUTLOUD! I urge you all to dance your life, your stories and your love!! In the Spirit of Dance,
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON is founder, artistic director and choreographer of the 46-year-old Denver-based artistic institution, CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE (CPRD). She leads a professional Ensemble, Cleo II (the CPRD second company), a Youth Ensemble, an Academy of Dance, an International Summer Dance Institute, a 240-seat theatre which bears her name, and numerous community outreach programs throughout Colorado. She is the recipient of honors and awards from corporate, civic, community, and artistic entities world-wide, and is continually called upon by a myriad of organizations and performance venues to bring her Ensemble for performances, workshops, master classes, teaching residencies and motivational seminars. A master teacher/choreographer and cultural ambassador, she has taught and performed with her Ensemble in such diverse places as Iceland, Singapore, Hawaii, Nassau, Belize, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, throughout Europe and the African continent. Ms. Parker Robinson’s numerous awards and honors include the Colorado’s Governor’s Award for Excellence (1974), Denver Mayor’s Award (1979), induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (1989) and the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame (1994). Recognized in Who’s Who in America Colleges and Universities she holds an Honorary Doctorate from Denver University (1991), an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colorado College (2003), and an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Regis University in Denver (2008). In 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson was voted an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, in recognition of her longtime commitment and lasting impact on the Center. In June 2017, she will be the recipient of the highly prestigious DanceUSA Honor Award. Ms. Robinson has served on NEA panels on Dance, Expansion Arts, Arts America, and InterArts panels for the USIS. Ms. Robinson is a regular panelist for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts as well as other national task forces, boards and committees in the arts arena. In April 1999, she was appointed by former President William Jefferson Clinton, and confirmed by the Senate, to serve for four years on the National Council on the Arts, a 14- member panel that advises the Chairman of the NEA on agency policy and programs, and reviews and makes recommendations to the Chairman on grant applications. In 2011 and 2012, Ms. Parker Robinson returned to her greatest passion, the art of the choreographer, creating and presenting two new full-length works, “Dreamcatchers: The Untold Stories of the Americas” and the riveting world premiere of her “Romeo and Juliet”, which was first presented in collaboration with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Her most recent work “On the Edge… Reaching to Higher Ground” premiered in October of 2014 in answer to resurging racial and human rights infractions both nationally and internationally. Cleo Parker Robinson continues to be dedicated to celebrating the human experience and potential through the Arts and Education. Her life-long vision of “One Spirit, Many Voices” remains strong and steadfast, expanding to welcome, embrace, and sustain all people.
OUR MISSION & VISION Currently celebrating its 46th Anniversary Season, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is an international, cross-cultural, dance-arts and educational institution rooted in African American traditions, dedicated to excellence in instruction, performances and community programs, for inter-generational students, artists and audiences. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is guided by the vision of dance as a universal language of movement - celebrating performance, individual expression, healing and peace - thereby transforming the world into a sanctuary which transcends boundaries of culture, class and age. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is committed to honoring diversity and inclusiveness throughout the global community. CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE Located in Denver’s Historic Five Points District 119 Park Avenue West, Denver, Colorado 80205 Ph # 303 295 1759 | Fx # 303 295 1328 | www.cleoparkerdance.org CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ACADEMY A year-round academy offering classes for all ages and levels of technique For information or to register visit www.cleoparkerdance.org or call 303 295 1759 x17 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER DANCE INSTITUTE – One Spirit, Many Voices Registrations now being accepted for all weeks Global Kids’ Week One / June 19 – 23 Global Kids’ Week Two / June 26 – 30 Professional and Pre-Professional / July 10- 21 www.cleoparkerdance.org / ISDI@cleoparkerdance.org / 303 295 1759 x17 ENSEMBLE BOOKINGS, TOURING and COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS Mary Hart - 303 295 1759 x20 / Mary@cleoparkerdance.org FACILITIES RENTAL Felicia Swoope – 303 295 1759 x16 / Felicia@cleoparkerdance.org EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH Shelby Jarosz – 303 295 1759 x10 / Shelby @cleoparkerdance.org
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON Artistic Director (See Cleo Parker Robinson bio) WINIFRED R. HARRIS Associate Artistic Director / Ensemble Rehearsal Director Ms. Harris, choreographer, artist, teacher and community activist, has created a significant body of work with a strong balance of technical prowess and gestural expression. Having trained under Cleo Parker Robinson, she danced professionally for ten years with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble before moving on to Dallas Black Dance Theater and a solo stint in New York and abroad. In October 1991, she relocated to Los Angeles, CA, founding her own award-nominated contemporary modern dance company. In recognition of her dedication and commitment to underprivileged youth, Ms. Harris received several awards from the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles for her teaching efforts within that community. Having served on faculty at various universities and studios nationwide, including Cal Arts (her alma mater), Cal State Los Angeles and Spelman College, she returned to Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in 2010 as Ensemble Rehearsal Director and became Associate Artistic Director in 2014.. CHRISTOPHER PAGE-SANDERS Assistant Director / Assistant Choreographer Originally from St. Louis, Mr. Page-Sanders, founder and co-artistic director of the NuWorld Contemporary Dance Theatre, received his formal training from the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) and the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri- Kansas City. Most recently, he had the pleasure of dancing, teaching and choreographing for seven seasons as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (CPRDE). Having danced with Wylliams-Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Owen/Cox Dance Group, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, and the St. Louis Black Repertory Theater Company, he also serves as resident choreographer for the Center of Creative Arts Musical Theater Program. He has been blessed to create on COCAdance, Davis Contemporary Dance Company, Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, East Central Theatre Company, That Uppity Theatre Company, Metro Theater Company. His choreography has been presented twice at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. In 2013, he received the Leni Wylliams Award for choreography and innovation from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. In 2016, he returned to CPRD to serve as Assistant Director for the holiday production “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum� and now, in 2017, has returned to work in close collaboration with Cleo Parker Robinson in shaping this concert.
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON Founder / Artistic Director / Producer / Director/ Choreographer WINIFRED R. HARRIS Associate Artistic Director / Ensemble Rehearsal Director CHRISTOPHER PAGE-SANDERS Assistant Director / Assistant Choreographer JODEL CHARLES Musical Director
THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE Winifred R. Harris - Rehearsal Director Chloé-Grant Abel / Alexis Amos Theresa Berger / Ameila Dietz Ralaya Goshea / Cedric D. Hall Jessica Horton / Martez McKinzy Edgar L. Page / Davry Ratcliffe Bria Tyner CLEO II and GUEST ARTISTS Tony DeBerry / Carrie Farmer
TREY “TREZIE” GRIMES Technical Director / Audio and Video Design
Hannah Prudhomme / Antwaun Deshawn
RHETTA SHEAD Production Manager
Katie Wiegman (Guest Artist)
JESSICA HORTON Youth Ensemble Director
Johnson (Guest Artist) Victoria Shead (Guest Artist)
THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE YOUTH ENSEMBLE Jessica Horton – Rehearsal Director
ANASTAZIA CONEY Lighting Design / Lighting Engineer
Victoria Shead – Assistant Rehearsal Director
CONNOR MORFORD Audio / Video Engineer
Gabriella Shead / Ajala Way
Nyna Moore / Jamilah Sharif
THE MUSICIANS
JOEY SANTOS Costume Design
Jodel Charles (Musical Director / Piano)
RALAYA GOSHEA Wardrobe Mistress
Sean Case (Percussion)
Kim Bird (Double Bass) Erica Papillion-Posey (Soprano Vocals)
EDGAR L. PAGE Props Master
Tait Solberg (Saxophone, Clarinet, & Flute)
MARY HART Playbill / Group Sales / Front of House Coordinator
Eli Acosta (Double Bass – Saturday May 6) Kevin
JODY GILBERT Playbill Design
David Sweet (Tenor Vocals) Matthews (Percussion – Saturday April 29)
JODEL CHARLES - Musical Director / Piano Born in Haiti, Mr. Charles holds degrees in Piano Performance (Boston Conservatory of Music), Computer Science (University of Massachusetts Boston), and Electrical and Computer Engineering (Illinois Institute of Technology). He is a Senior Systems Engineer (Visa, Inc), Executive Director (Renewal 4 Haiti), and Music Director / Producer (Such – Soul/R&B/Jazz iamsuch.com). His prior theater productions include “Paul Robeson” (Theatre Review, Aurora Fox) and “Porgy & Bess” (Aurora Fox). His original works include “Catholic Acclamations” for the Oregon Catholic Press, and he has received the Marlowe Award for Best Musical Direction. He extends his profound love to Cleo and is grateful for the privilege and opportunity to work with such a uniquely talented group of dancers, musicians, crew and staff. KIM BIRD - Double Bass Holding a Master’s in Music: Jazz Performance, from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, Ms. Bird is frequently called upon to support Denver’s finest musicians in a variety of settings and styles, and her original jazz quartet, CP30, has been a featured Artist in Residence at Dazzle Jazz Club in Denver. An educator as well as performer, she has also served as a big band clinician for the Colorado All-State Jazz Festival, an accompanist for CHSAA Vocal Jazz Choirs, various jazz and string camps in Colorado and New England, and as an adjudicator for several Maine All-State Music festivals. Having been a part of “Porgy & Bess” at the Aurora Fox this past winter, she is excited to revisit the music with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. SEAN CASE - Percussion Mr. Case began his percussion studies at age 9 with Mark Foster, a local free-lance percussionist in the Denver area. After high school, he enrolled at the Colburn Conservatory, studying with Jack van Geem, former Principal Percussionist of the San Francisco Symphony. While at Colburn, he helped form the percussion ensemble group “Smoke and Mirrors”. Since returning to Colorado, Mr. Case has been free-lancing and teaching extensively throughout the state. He has taught at several different schools, including Eaglecrest High School, Chaparral High School, and Broomfield High School. He has also played with many local orchestras, including the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Crested Butte Festival Orchestra, Emerald City Opera, Lone Tree Symphony, and Arapahoe Philharmonic.
ELI ACOSTA - Double Bass Alternate (Saturday May 6) A Denver native, Mr. Acosta grew up playing ragtime guitar, switching to bass in college when his school was low on bass players. He graduated with a degree in Jazz and Commercial Music from Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver and has proudly studied under Ken Walker, Susan Cahill, and Chris Wood. Outside of musical theatre, he can be seen playing jazz at The Brown Palace, freelancing, or in “Honeycomb”, a soul/funk-wedding band. He has just completed an apprenticeship repairing, restoring, and building stringed instruments, so when he isn’t playing a bass, he is most likely fixing one.
KEVIN MATTHEWS – Percussion Alternate (Saturday April 29) Drummer, percussionist, composer, and educator Kevin Matthews has recorded and/or performed with the Colorado Symphony and numerous renowned artists, currently touring the U.S. with folk-pop artist Andy Hackbarth. In 2015, he was selected for the Boysie-Lowery Living Jazz Residency and was featured as part of FM KUVO’s “30 Under 30” series, highlighting up-and-coming young jazz musicians. As a percussionist, he has performed with the Colorado Symphony, the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra, the Wyoming Symphony and the Off the Hook chamber music festival. Teaching drum set, percussion, and beginning guitar since 2007, he has conducted clinics and masterclasses in K-12 schools in throughout the West and worked with under-served communities through the jazz education program The Gift of Jazz. Since 2016, he has been the percussion faculty member at Cherry Creek Academy in Englewood, CO. Holding a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, he has received numerous awards and was accepted into the 2011 and 2012 Colorado College Music Festivals and the 2011 and 2014 Telluride Jazz Festival All-Star Bands. He received a DownBeat award in 2007 as part of his high school’s Dry Creek Dixie Dawgs, and in 2012 for a recording with the Lamont Symphony Orchestra. In fall 2012, he attended the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen studying under Gert Mortensen, Christian Schøller and Johan Bridger. His primary mentors include Paul Romaine, Mark Foster, Mike Marlier and John Kinzie.
ERICA PAPILLION-POSEY – Soprano Vocals Equally at home in the jazz and classical idioms, Ms. Papillion-Posey was featured as Clara in the award-winning, 2016 Aurora Fox Theatre production of “Porgy and Bess”. Soon to release her newest recording “Deep Like…” (Spring 2017), the Louisiana native’s 2015 debut recording, “The Standard Reimagined, when jazz… “ a tribute to the era of the elegant jazz siren, was accepted for a 2016 Grammy nomination. Her professional North American debut in 2013 with Miami Lyric Opera garnered high praise from reviewers and audiences alike for her role as Bizet’s “Carmen” – a role she subsequently reprised world-wide. In 2010, she made her international operatic debut at the Tuscia Opera Festival, with maestro Stefano Vignati. As a classical concert artist and recitalist, her repertoire and accolades are extensive, both nationally and internationally. An avid writer, Ms. Papillion-Posey released her first book, “Musings from the Mind of a Mezzo: poetry & prose of passion, pain and plight” in 2015 a deeply personal compilation chronicling many of her life experiences. Holding Masters’, Bachelors’ and Associate degrees from various prestigious institutions, she is also a member of the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys), Italian Institute of Denver, L’Alliance Française de Denver, Friends of Music at Metro and serves as board advisor on performing arts to Grand Design Inc. TAIT SOLBERG - Saxophone, Clarinet, & Flute Mr. Solberg has performed around the world with the Air Force Band, retiring and relocating to Colorado after 27 years. Since returning from overseas, he remains busy teaching and performing music, working in graphic design, and repairing woodwind instruments. DAVID SWEET – Tenor Vocals A Denver native, Mr. Sweet’s earliest musical influences were his mother, Dr. Claudette Sweet, and godmother, Dr. Joyce Marie Davis, along with numerous Jazz, R&B and gospel singers. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Music Performance and Production from Rust College, he is also both a Leontyne Price and Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar. His performance career encompasses prominent area venues including the Aurora Fox Theatre, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Central City Opera, the Buell Theatre, and the Colorado Train Museum, as well as numerous renowned national venues and festivals. Opening for Nelson Rangell, Daryl Coley, Clifton Davis, Earth, Wind & Fire, he has also sung for Jeffrey Osborne, Old Landmark Ministries, GMWA, etc. Mr. Sweet has also served as sound engineer and production staff for the Arvada Center for the Arts, Feyline Productions’ Denver Black Arts Fest, the MLK Celebration and the Colorado Symphony.
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director Malik Robinson Executive Director Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director / Ensemble Rehearsal Director Rhetta Shead Director of Administration Hillary Harding Director of Development Mary Hart Director of Bookings, Tours, and Community Engagement Felicia Swoope Creative Campus Director Shelby Jarosz Education Manager Amelia Dietz Academy Administrator Rachel Gibbons Assistant Academy Administrator Victoria Shead Assistant Academy Administrator Lauren Brown MSU / CCD Intern Pat Smith (OnTarget Public Relations) Marketing and Public Relations Contractor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gwen Brewer Board Chair Cleo Parker Robinson * Founder /Executive Artistic Director Tyrone Gant Board Treasurer Debbie Herrera Vice Chair Shale Wong Vice Chair Brian Allen, Hon. Crisanta Duran, Angela Norris Hawkins, Demesha Hill, Lisa Hogan, Michelle Patrick, Tony Price, Shelley Thompson, Josett Valdez Negley, Alfred Walker, Jennifer Wozniak
EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Judge Raymond Dean Jones J.D.* Chairman Emeritus Chelsye J. Burrows Michael Donegan Kevin Fallon Les Franklin Helen Franzgrote Marceline Freeman Rosalind “Bee” Harris Eric Hughes Renee Hurley Henry Lowenstein
Nancy McClosky Dawn Nakamura-Kessler Edmond “Buddy” Noel * Schyleen Qualls Brown * Tom Robinson * John Wagner Lester Ward Faye & Reggie Washington * Founding members of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Board of Directors
THE PERFORMANCE PORGY AND BESS Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) World Premiere This timeless story, told repeatedly through the vehicles of concert stage, theatre, and film, began as an iconic American opera, composed in 1934 by George Gershwin, with a libretto written by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin, based on Heyward’s novel “Porgy”. First performed in Boston in 1935, the opera featured an entire cast of classically trained African-American singers - a daring artistic choice at the time. The Houston Grand Opera production in 1976 gave the work new popularity and it is now one of the best-known and most frequently performed operas. Gershwin first read “Porgy” in 1926, and in 1935 began his work with Heyward by visiting the author’s native Charleston. The original libretto tells the story of Porgy, a disabled man living in the slums of Charleston, South Carolina, his attempts to rescue Bess from the clutches of Crown, her violent and possessive lover, and Sportin’ Life, her drug dealer. This newest version which does not include Crown is one of three created by Cleo Parker Robinson since 1995, two of which were with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Opera Colorado. Choreographer Cleo Parker Robinson Composer George Gershwin Libretto Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward Assistant Choreographer Christopher Page-Sanders Musical Director and Adaptation Jodel Charles Lighting Design Anastasia Coney / Trey Grimes Audio / Video Design Trey Grimes Costume Design Joey Santos Musicians Jodel Charles (Piano) Erica Papillion-Posey (Soprano Vocals) David Sweet (Tenor Vocals) Kim Bird (Double Bass) / Eli Acosta(Double Bass 5/6) Sean Case (Percussion) / Kevin Matthews (Percussion 4/29) Tait Solberg (Saxophone, Clarinet, & Flute) Characters Porgy Edgar L. Page Bess Ralaya Goshea Sportin’ Life Davry Ratcliffe Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble Chloe-Grant Abel, Alexis Amos, Theresa Berger, Amelia Dieta, Cedric D. Hall, Jessica Horton, Martez McKinzy, Bria Tyner Cleo II Tony DeBerry, Carrie Farmer, Hannah Prudhomme, Antwaun Deshawn Johnson*, Victoria Shead*, Katie Wiegman* *Cleo II guest performers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Youth Ensemble Nyna Moore, Jamilah Sharif, Gabriella Shead, Ajala Way
OVERTURE (THE COMMUNITY) Edgar L. Page, Ralaya Goshea, Davry Ratcliffe, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Cleo II, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Youth Ensemble STREET CRIES Ralaya Goshea, Edgar L. Page, Davry Ratcliffe A WOMAN IS A SOMETIME THING Davry Ratcliffe with Martez McKinzy, Tony DeBerry and the Community SUMMERTIME Ralaya Goshea and Edgar L. Page with Chloe-Grant Abel, Alexis Amos, Amelia Dietz and the Community I’VE GOT PLENTY OF NOTHIN’ Edgar L. Page with Tony DeBerry, Cedric D Hal, Martez McKinzy and the Community IT AIN’T NECESSARILY SO Davry Ratcliffe with the Community I CAN’T SIT DOWN Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble with the Community I LOVE YOU PORGY / BESS YOU IS MY WOMAN NOW Ralaya Goshea and Edgar L. Page OH LORD, I’M ON MY WAY Edgar L. Page with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and the Community INTERMISSION
ROMEO & JULIET Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) World Premiere, 2012 Cleo Parker Robinson’s interpretation of this iconic tragedy is set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Romeo Montague is born into the Roman Catholic traditions, while Juliet Capulet follows her family’s path of the African Yoruba faith, with this spiritual clash sparking both attraction and conflict. This interpretation premiered in collaboration with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (CSO) under the director of Maestro Andrew Litton. The original ballet was composed by Sergei Prokofiev in September 1935, with its happy ending (contrary to Shakespeare) provoking controversy among Soviet cultural officials and delaying its production indefinitely. The ballet’s failure to be produced in Soviet Russia until 1940 may also have been due to increased fear and caution in the musical and theatrical community following editorials condemning composers labeled as “degenerate modernists”. The full ballet did not premiere until December 1938 in Czechoslovakia with Prokofiev unable to attend due to his “outbound restricted” status within the Soviet Union. The musical elements in this version feature the layering of New Orleans jazz and Yoruba percussive rhythms and chants over the traditional score. Choreographer Cleo Parker Robinson Composer Sergei Prokofiev Orchestral Arrangement Andrew Litton with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Orchestral Enhancements Jodel Charles Original CSO Lighting Design Phil Hiester Original CPRD Lighting Design Anastasia Coney, Trey “Trezie” Grimes Costumer Joey Santos (Santos Designs) Musicians Erica Papillion-Posey (Soprano Vocals and Spoken Word) David Sweet (Tenor Vocals and Spoken Word) Sean Case (Percussion) / Kevin Matthews (Percussion 4/29) Tait Solberg (Saxophone, Clarinet, & Flute)
CHARACTERS Juliet Capulet Romeo Montague The Nurse (Juliet’s Chaperone) Tybalt Capulet (Juliet’s Cousin) Mercutio (Rome’s Closest Friend) Ané (Goddess of the Earth) Elegua (Goddess of the Crossroads) Yemanja (Goddess of the Oceans) Death Mambo (The Yoruba Priestess) Yemanja’s Devotees
Chloe-Grant Abel / Amelia Dietz Martez McKinzy / Edgar L. Page Amelia Dietz / Chloe-Grant Abel Davry Ratcliffe Edgar L. Page / Martez McKinzy Jessica Horton Bria Tyner Theresa Berger Cedric D. Hall Ralaya Goshea Nyna Moore, Hannah Prudhomme, Victoria Shead, Katie Wiegman
OVERTURE SCENE 1 THE FIRST MEETING The scene opens with a foreshadowing of the tragedy to come. As Death stands close at hand, Ané, the Earth Goddess who is Queen of the Other World, awakens Romeo and Juliet from death into the afterlife. The scene shifts to the present, as Romeo and Juliet each rise from prayer at their respective altars and see one another for the first time, Impulsively, Juliet presents Romeo with a perfect white rose, even as the tensions between Tybalt and Mercutio begin to escalate. Ané is goddess of the earth, morality, fertility and creativity, ruling over the underworld, and holding the deceased ancestors in her womb. Her name literally translates to ‘Ground’ in the Igbo language, denoting her powers over the earth and her status as the ground itself. All ground is considered holy as it is Ané herself.
SCENE 2 JULIET’S CHAMBER In her bed chamber with her Nurse, Juliet shares her eager anticipation of the coming Mardi Gras festivities and her excitement over the young man she has just met. She asks her Nurse to cast the shells and tell her future. The Nurse shares the joyous news that the shells reveal that Juliet will experience a great and passionate love, but as she casts again, the shells foretell that great tragedy looms ahead. SCENE 3 STREET AWAKENING Romeo is love-struck by the mysterious and beautiful young woman who gave him the rose. His friend Mercutio warns him that she is not of the Catholic faith and that he should forget her. Romeo refuses to listen and convinces Mercutio to guide him to the cemetery where Juliet will be participating in a sacred Yoruba ritual later that evening. SCENE 4 THE RITUAL Elegua, Goddess of the Crossroads, initiates the ritual as the Capulets enter with the Mambo, the Yoruba priestess. A sacred dance is offered to Yemanja, Goddess of the Oceans, as Romeo hides in the shadows. Discovering that Romeo is watching Juliet during this sacred ritual, Tybalt is furious. Guardian of the roads and doors in this world, Elegua stands at the crossroads of the human and the divine. Nothing can be done in either world without her permission. She is always called upon before any other orisha, opening the door between the worlds and opening our roads in life. Yemanja lives and rules over the seas and lakes as the Mother of All. Her name, a shortened version of Yeyé Omo Eja means “Mother Whose Children are the Fish” to reflect the fact that her children are uncountable. Like the seas and lakes she is deep and unknowable. SCENE 5 THE MARRIAGE The Nurse has urged Juliet to pray to Yemanja. As she offers her petitions for love to the goddess, the mesmerized Romeo reveals himself to her. Surprised but joyous, Juliet worries that he might be seen and implores him to leave. The goddess Yemanja appears to give her blessing and the couple lose themselves in her waters, consummating their love. Summoned by the Nurse, the Mambo joins the couple in marriage, giving them gifts from the orishas (the Yoruba gods) – a machete for Romeo, and a mirror for Juliet.
SCENE 6 THE MASQUERADE Unaware of her marriage, Juliet’s family hosts a Mardi Gras celebration. Believing themselves well-disguised, Romeo’s parents are present, as are Romeo and Mercutio. Even though he is masked, Tybalt soon recognizes Romeo in the crowd. Sensing his deep connection with Juliet, Tybalt angrily confronts him. SCENE 7 CONFRONTATION AND DEATH Death stands in attendance as the fate of Mercutio and Tybalt is defined. In a violent struggle, Mercutio is killed by Tybalt, who in turn is struck down in revenge by Romeo. SCENE 8 DISCOVERY AND INTRIGUE Hearing that Romeo has fled the city, and desperate to avoid a forced marriage to another man, Juliet forms a plan with her Nurse that will allow her to appear to have killed herself. Obtaining a sleeping potion from the Mambo, she returns to the cemetery where she takes the potion and falls into a deep sleep which causes her to appear as though dead. Elegua appears to Romeo in a dream, urging him to return to the city immediately. He hurries to the cemetery, hoping to see Juliet in prayer to Yemanja. Instead, he discovers her seemingly lifeless body. In despair, he takes his own life. Juliet awakens and, gazing into her mirror, realizes that Romeo is dead. Believing that her goddess has forsaken her, she breaks the mirror and uses a shard to end her own life. SCENE 9 PROCESSIONS OF SORROW Mourning the deaths of Tybalt and Mercutio, both families enter the cemetery. To their horror, they see the bodies of the two lovers lying together on the ground. Realizing that it is their own prejudices and fears which have caused this tragedy, the two families come together in their grief to lay their loved ones to rest. The goddess Ané appears to lead Romeo and Juliet into an eternal life, thus bringing the story full circle. Program order and casting are subject to change without prior notice. Audio and video recording of any kind (including cell phones and tablets) is NOT PERMITTED without prior written notice from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Violators are subject to loss of recordings and / or equipment
CHLOE-GRANT ABEL A Kansas City native, Ms. Abel trained for twelve years under full scholarship at the Kansas City Ballet School. She studied in New York at the Ailey School as a Fellowship recipient, and received her BFA in Dance, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of MissouriKansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Her professional career includes performances with Quixotic Performance Fusion, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, the Owen/Cox Dance Group, and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. After one season with Cleo II, Ms. Abel is now in her fifth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and is on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. ALEXIS AMOS A native of Lafayette, LA, Ms. Amos began training at age sixteen as a student of Lafayette High’s performing arts academy, as well as The Ballet Studio in Milton, La. where she studied under Beverly Spell. She later became a LeapN’Learn certified ballet instructor and performed in three of her own original ballets. Furthering her training at The Ailey School and The School of Nashville Ballet, she earned a University of Louisiana B.S. in Exercise Science. After graduating and becoming a member of Cleo II, she is now in her first season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. THERESA BERGER Originally from Ankeny, IA, Ms. Berger, under the direction of Nancy Moore Overturff, studied and performed with the Iowa Dance Theatre and the Performing Edge, Moore Dance’s pre-professional company. With a BFA in Dance from the University of Iowa, she moved to Denver where she danced with both Kim Robards Dance and Moraporvida Contemporary Dance. Now in her first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble after one season as an apprentice, she is also a faculty member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance.
AMELIA DIETZ First training at Barbara Baker School and BalletMet Columbus, Ms. Dietz continued her studies at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds, England, American Repertory Ballet and The Ailey School. She was awarded the BalletMet Mary Fuller Scholarship Award, and for four seasons was a member of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Second Company, having received a BFA in Dance from Wright State University. This is Ms. Dietz’s fifth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where she also serves as Academy Administrator of the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance and liaison to Metropolitan State University Denver. RALAYA GOSHEA Born in Detroit, Ms. Goshea trained at the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts and Oakland University, receiving her Bachelor’s in Performing Arts. She has performed with the Brown Dance Project, Patterson Rhythm and Pace, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, SMAGDance Company and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC). She choreographed a full concert for Triple Threat Productions Company of Rochester, Michigan, and set a work on the University of Dayton’s Dance Ensemble. A member of Cleo II for two seasons, she is now in her fourth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. CEDRIC D. HALL First dancing with the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre’s CONSORT Youth Dance Training and Development Program, Mr. Hall later became a full company member. He was featured in numerous musicals including “The Wiz”, “West Side Story” and “Footloose”, and has worked with renowned choreographers Terrance Greene, Dianne McIntyre, Gary Abbott, and Kevin “Iega” Jeff. This is Mr. Hall’s tenth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where he also serves on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance and as Director of the CPRD Junior Youth Ensemble.
JESSICA HORTON Born in Tuscaloosa, AL, Ms. Horton trained at Shelton State Dance Department and the Alabama School of Fine Arts, receiving the Woodward Dishion Memorial Award. She also trained through The Ailey School, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. With a BFA in Dance from Wright State University, she performed with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II from 2009-2011, and as a post-graduate, was a counselor for Summerdance with Ballet Academy East in New York. A member of Cleo II for two seasons and an apprentice to the Ensemble last season, she is now in her first season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, is on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance, and serves as Director of the CPRD Youth Ensemble. MARTEZ McKINZY Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. McKinzy studied with Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey under the direction of Tyrone Aiken. Having been a member of Cleo II and an apprentice for one season each, he is now in his first season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. EDGAR L. PAGE A Detroit native, Mr. Page began his training through the Detroit Public School System. He furthered his studies at the Alvin Ailey Dance School and the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange before receiving his BA in Dance from Western Michigan University (as an M. L. K. Cultural Diversity Scholar and Wade H. McCree Jr. Incentive Scholar). A former member of the Dayton Contemporary Second Dance Company, Mr. Page is currently in his seventh season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and is on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance.
DAVRY RATCLIFFE Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Ratcliffe began training at Fort Hayes Performing Arts MEC under Marla “China” White (Dance Theatre of Harlem) in the Pre-Professional program. Creating multiple productions while shaping a non-profit company to advance professional development/ leadership and community outreach through hip hop culture, he has worked with renowned choreographers including Laurieanne Gibson, Gil Dudilduo, and several of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” competitors. After one season each with Cleo II and as an apprentice, he is now in his first season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. BRIA TYNER A native of Fairfield, AL, Ms. Tyner began her dance training at The Ebony Arrington Dance and Performance School of Birmingham, AL, studying for ten years under the direction of Ebony Arrington and Bronze McGhee. Continuing her training for three more years at The Pointe Dance Arts under Angela Walker before studying under Cornelius Carter at the University of Alabama, she received her BFA in Dance. This is Ms. Tyner’s first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and she is also a faculty member with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance.